It's snow time!
How to reconnect with your inner winter-child
BY AMY TIBBS
Winnipeg Health Region
Wave, January / February 2012
There was a time when I loved
winter.
Back when I was in elementary school, I couldn't wait
to get outside and play in the snow, making snowballs,
building forts and generally horsing around.
But as I grew older, my excitement for snow began
to fade. Somehow, winter went from tobogganing and
building snowmen to dead car batteries and weekends of
hibernation. Without an activity to enjoy, winter was a
long, cold three months and I couldn't wait for spring to
arrive.
Then a few years ago, I discovered Snow Trek.
Snow Trek is a community initiative designed to help
people reconnect with their inner winter-child by letting
everyone try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with
free equipment loans and free instruction.
My friend Cam and I attended Snow Trek at FortWhyte
Alive, where we took the opportunity to try snowshoeing.
After getting basic lessons on technique from one of the
friendly instructors, we set out for the afternoon on one of
the many trails.
We had a great time. Snowshoeing offers a great
cardiovascular workout. Shortly after we started, I could feel
my heart pounding. I soon realized that it was important to
pace myself, so I could chat with my friend as we moved
across the snow.
We soon discovered that snowshoeing is an easy-to-learn
activity that can be done almost anywhere - all you need is
a little bit of snow. If you are just starting out, snowshoeing
on a packed trail is easier than breaking ground in fresh
snow.
Cross-country skiing is another great activity featured
during Snow Trek. It's a low-impact, total body activity that
will get your blood pumping while working the muscles in
both your upper and lower body. It is a life-long activity
that has many benefits for every member of the family.
Adding an activity like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to your routine can help you
maintain a healthy weight, feel good about
yourself and have more energy.
If you'd like to reconnect with winter, why not come
out for Snow Trek 2012? There are still two dates where you can
learn to snowshoe and cross-country ski, with free instruction and
equipment to try. On Feb. 5, Snow Trek will be at the Harbourview
Recreation Centre, and on Feb. 12, head for either the Windsor Park
Nordic Centre or the Living Prairie Museum. For more information,
visit winnipeginmotion.ca or call 204-940-3648.
Before you know it, you'll be coming out of hibernation,
conquering the cold of winter, and feeling all the better for getting "in
motion!"
Amy Tibbs is a co-ordinator with Winnipeg in motion.

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About Wave
Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books.
Read the Jan. / Feb. 2012 issue of Wave |
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